Full-stack developers have endless options for developing, deploying, and managing software at every layer of the tech stack. Because full-stack development is multi-disciplinary, its innovations sit at the intersection of front-end and back-end development. In this article, we break down trends and tools that full-stack developers should know for 2023.
What is Full-Stack Development?
Full-stack developers have the unique ability to build both the visual and server environments that define the internet as we know it. Full-stack developers have an understanding of front-end design and interactivity, as well as the back-end databases and architectures.
With competency in both environments, full-stack developers are able to work at multiple levels of the website development process. By definition, they’re the ultimate generalists, able to independently build minimum viable products and integrate different technologies.
Trending Full-Stack Tools and Technologies
Full-stack developers are constantly finding new ways to improve their tech stacks. Here are a few of the trending tools and technologies full-stack developers are using to create innovative online experiences for users.
Low-Code and No-Code Development
With the rise of low-code and no-code development platforms, anyone can become a developer through “virtual programming” — just point and click! These models also have a lower barrier to entry, making them exceptionally popular for businesses to lower costs of hiring full-stack developers.
While there may be a few drawbacks such as limited control over code and reduced functionality, no-code development enables non-technical developers to build products and services faster. These low-code and no-code options mean basic application development can be distributed to non-technical or junior roles. Meanwhile, full-stack developers can focus on solutions and more complex coding enhancements. It’s also interesting to note that no-code/low-code tools themselves can be thought of as full-stack solutions, which may influence the future of full–stack developers.
Popular low code and no code platforms include Appian, Mendix, Quickbase, Zoho Creator, and Nintex.
Artificial Intelligence
The last several years have seen a surge in technological advancements for artificial intelligence, and it’s expected to be just as popular in 2023. Recent advances in data analysis, machine learning, and high-performance computing have pushed the limits of exciting use cases, including speech recognition to robotics.
As artificial intelligence adds new innovations to the technology stack, having a single developer who understands how all these disparate parts fit together will be invaluable. With holistic technical expertise, full-stack developers are playing a key role in the ongoing advancement of artificial intelligence.
Popular AI tools and frameworks include SciKit Learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Google ML kit.
Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI dealing focused on the development of computer systems that learn and adapt without following explicit instructions. Key to the success of machine learning is an endless supply of data from every layer of the tech stack. Full-stack developers can use their big-picture perspective of the tech stack to help data engineers and scientists feed this endless appetite for new data,
Full-stack developers can also leverage automations from machine learning to build faster and make data-driven decisions.
Popular tools for machine learning include Pandas, TensorFlow, SciKit, and NLTK.
Blockchain
You may be familiar with Blockchain for cryptocurrencies, but it can be used for so much more, including identity management and supply chain management. Blockchain is decentralized and its security is unrivaled, but it does have a few limitations like scalability. Regardless, the encryption and transparency Blockchain offers continues to rise in popularity in many industries. Especially for financial industries, Blockchain simplifies complex financial and banking operations. As businesses become more aware of the benefits, they’ll need full-stack developers to move their operations to the blockchain.
Popular Blockchain development tools include MetaMask, Embark, Web3j, and Prysm.
Internet of Things
From smart home sensors to autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT) development trend is all about connecting physical devices to the internet. Making our daily lives easier is always trendy, and now nearly every device is connected to the internet.
While IoT development involves professionals from many different disciplines, full-stack developers are particularly valuable for their ability to build and integrate disparate systems. Full-stack developers have the challenge of understanding how to integrate devices, what information can be collected from devices, how to make the data usable, and how this information could benefit users.
Popular IoT platforms and tools include Node-RED, OpenRemote, Flutter, and Arduino.
Progressive Web Apps
While browsing the web, you probably came across a progressive web application (PWA) and may have not even realized it.
PWAs are a type of web application built using common front-end technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript. A helpful way to think of PWAs is that they’re apps written in web programming languages that perform and feel like mobile apps built for iOS or Android. PWAs are reliable and function like native apps, but can use a single codebase to reach anyone, anywhere, and on any device. Because of these benefits, full-stack developers can be expected to deliver PWAs as a cost-effective solution for any business they’re a part of.
Popular PWA development tools and frameworks include Vue.JS, Angular, ReactPWA Library, and Polymer.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Mixed reality, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is here to stay and advancing quickly, making it a trend to watch out for. With the release of Apple’s ARKit, Google’s ARCore, and Meta, more businesses will start incorporating AR and VR to keep up with bigger businesses. Many are already leveraging these new mixed reality technologies to revolutionize remote and long distance training, education, healthcare, and even gaming. Full-stack developers will play a vital role in the development of this technology by designing and implementing software at all levels of the stack, from the user interface all the way down to systems software.